Coupling segment with monolithic pivot

ABSTRACT

A coupling segment includes an arcuate segment body defining a first end and a second end opposite the first end; a first shoulder that is formed proximate to the first end and comprises a first fastener pad extending outwardly from the arcuate segment body, the first shoulder further defining an interior edge; and a first pivot extending from the first shoulder at the interior edge, wherein the first pivot is cast monolithically with the arcuate segment body and the first shoulder.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No.16/369,127, filed Mar. 29, 2019, which is hereby specificallyincorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to pipe couplings. More specifically, thisdisclosure relates to a pivot clip for pipe couplings.

BACKGROUND

Pipes can typically be joined at their ends by pipe couplings comprisingtwo segments and two fasteners joining distal ends of the segments. Eachfastener can typically comprise a nut and a bolt. The fastenerstypically need to be tightened one at a time, incrementally andalternatingly, such that the space between each opposite end of thetightened coupling is substantially the same. This process can take timeand can encounter difficulties when, for example, one of the ends is notaccessible when the coupling is fitted onto the pipe ends.

SUMMARY

It is to be understood that this summary is not an extensive overview ofthe disclosure.

This summary is exemplary and not restrictive, and it is intendedneither to identify key or critical elements of the disclosure nordelineate the scope thereof. The sole purpose of this summary is toexplain and exemplify certain concepts off the disclosure as anintroduction to the following complete and extensive detaileddescription.

Disclosed is a pipe coupling comprising: a first segment comprising afirst end and a second end distal to the first end; a second segmentcomprising a first end and a second end distal to the first end; a firsttightening element configured to draw the second end of the firstsegment towards the first end of the second segment; a second tighteningelement configured to draw the first end of the first segment towardsthe second end of the second segment; and a pivot clip between thesecond end of the first segment and the first end of the second segment,the pivot clip configured to maintain a separation distance between thesecond end of the first segment and the first end of the second segment.

Also disclosed is a method of coupling two pipes, the method comprising:fastening two coupling segments into an untightened configuration; thetwo coupling segments comprising a first segment and a second segment,the first segment comprising a first end and a second end distal to thefirst end , the second segment comprising a first end and a second enddistal to the first end, wherein fastening the two coupling segmentscomprises: placing a pivot clip between the second end of the firstsegment and the first end of the second segment, the pivot clipconfigured to maintain a separation distance between the second end ofthe first segment and the first end of the second segment, andtightening a first tightening element to draw the second end of thefirst segment towards the first end of the second segment; placing endsof the two pipes between the two coupling segments; and tightening asecond tightening element to draw the first end of the first segmenttowards the second end of the second segment.

Additionally, disclosed is a coupling segment comprising an arcuatesegment body defining a first end and a second end opposite the firstend; a first shoulder that is formed proximate to the first end andcomprises a first fastener pad extending outwardly from the arcuatesegment body, the first shoulder further defining an interior edge; anda first pivot extending from the first shoulder at the interior edge,wherein the first pivot is cast monolithically with the arcuate segmentbody and the first shoulder.

A pipe coupling is also disclosed, the pipe coupling comprising amonolithically-cast first coupling segment comprising a first end and asecond end distal to the first end, a first pivot each formed proximateto the first end; a second coupling segment comprising a first end and asecond end distal to the first end, the first pivot engaging the secondcoupling segment proximate to the first end of the second couplingsegment; and a first tightening element configured to draw the first endof the monolithically-cast first coupling segment towards the first endof the second coupling segment.

Various implementations described in the present disclosure may includeadditional systems, methods, features, and advantages, which may notnecessarily be expressly disclosed herein but will be apparent to one ofordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following detaileddescription and accompanying drawings. It is intended that all suchsystems, methods, features, and advantages be included within thepresent disclosure and protected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and components of the following figures are illustrated toemphasize the general principles of the present disclosure.Corresponding features and components throughout the figures may bedesignated by matching reference characters for the sake of consistencyand clarity.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a pipe coupling comprising a pivot clip inaccordance with one aspect of the current disclosure, showing the pipecoupling in an untightened configuration.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the pipe coupling of FIG. 1 positionedon an end of a pipe.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the pivot clip of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the pivot clip of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the pivot clip of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a front view of the pivot clip of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a front view of the pipe coupling of FIG. 1 in a tightenedconfiguration.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the pipe coupling connecting two pipes.

FIG. 9 is a side view of the pipe coupling with a pivot clip inaccordance with another aspect of the current disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the pipe coupling of FIG. 9, shownpositioned on an end of a pipe to be joined.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the pivot clip of FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the pivot clip in FIG.11 taken from line 12-12 in FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a front view of the pipe coupling and pivot clip FIG. 9 inthe tightened configuration.

FIG. 14 is a side view of a pipe coupling comprising a pivot clip inaccordance with another aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 15 is a side view of a pipe coupling comprising a pivot clip in inaccordance with another aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a coupling segment of the pipe couplingof FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a detail view of a pivot of the segment of FIG. 16 and takenfrom detail 17 in FIG. 16.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure can be understood more readily by reference tothe following detailed description, examples, drawings, and claims, andthe previous and following description. However, before the presentdevices, systems, and/or methods are disclosed and described, it is tobe understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specificdevices, systems, and/or methods disclosed unless otherwise specified,and, as such, can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that theterminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularaspects only and is not intended to be limiting.

The following description is provided as an enabling teaching of thepresent devices, systems, and/or methods in its best, currently knownaspect. To this end, those skilled in the relevant art will recognizeand appreciate that many changes can be made to the various aspects ofthe present devices, systems, and/or methods described herein, whilestill obtaining the beneficial results of the present disclosure. Itwill also be apparent that some of the desired benefits of the presentdisclosure can be obtained by selecting some of the features of thepresent disclosure without utilizing other features. Accordingly, thosewho work in the art will recognize that many modifications andadaptations to the present disclosure are possible and can even bedesirable in certain circumstances and are a part of the presentdisclosure. Thus, the following description is provided as illustrativeof the principles of the present disclosure and not in limitationthereof.

As used throughout, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” includeplural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus,for example, reference to “an element” can include two or more suchelements unless the context indicates otherwise.

Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value,and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range isexpressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and/orto the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed asapproximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understoodthat the particular value forms another aspect. It will be furtherunderstood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant bothin relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the otherendpoint.

For purposes of the current disclosure, a material property or dimensionmeasuring about X or substantially X on a particular measurement scalemeasures within a range between X plus an industry-standard uppertolerance for the specified measurement and X minus an industry-standardlower tolerance for the specified measurement. Because tolerances canvary between different materials, processes and between differentmodels, the tolerance for a particular measurement of a particularcomponent can fall within a range of tolerances.

As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” mean that thesubsequently described event or circumstance can or cannot occur, andthat the description includes instances where said event or circumstanceoccurs and instances where it does not.

The word “or” as used herein means any one member of a particular listand also includes any combination of members of that list. Further, oneshould note that conditional language, such as, among others, “can,”“could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, orotherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intendedto convey that certain aspects include, while other aspects do notinclude, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditionallanguage is not generally intended to imply that features, elementsand/or steps are in any way required for one or more particular aspectsor that one or more particular aspects necessarily include logic fordeciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether thesefeatures, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed inany particular aspect.

Disclosed are components that can be used to perform the disclosedmethods and systems. These and other components are disclosed herein,and it is understood that when combinations, subsets, interactions,groups, etc. of these components are disclosed that while specificreference of each various individual and collective combinations andpermutation of these may not be explicitly disclosed, each isspecifically contemplated and described herein, for all methods andsystems. This applies to all aspects of this application including, butnot limited to, steps in disclosed methods. Thus, if there are a varietyof additional steps that can be performed it is understood that each ofthese additional steps can be performed with any specific aspect orcombination of aspects of the disclosed methods.

Disclosed is a pivot clip for pipe couplings and associated methods,systems, devices, and various apparatus. It would be understood by oneof skill in the art that the disclosed pivot clip is described in but afew exemplary embodiments among many. No particular terminology ordescription should be considered limiting on the disclosure or the scopeof any claims issuing therefrom.

For ease of understanding, the use of the directional terms herein, suchas right, left, front, back, top, bottom, and the like can refer to theorientation shown and described in the corresponding figures, but thesedirectional terms should not be considered limiting on the orientationor configuration required by the present disclosure. The use of ordinalterms herein, such as first, second, third, fourth, and the like canrefer to elements associated with elements having matching ordinalnumbers. For example, a first light bulb can be associated with a firstlight socket, a second light bulb can be associated with a second lightsocket, and so on. However, the use of matching ordinal numbers shouldnot be considered limiting on the associations required by the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a pipe coupling 100, in accordance with oneaspect of the present disclosure. The pipe coupling 100 can couple twopipes 154 a,b together. In some aspects, the coupling 100 can be aslip-on coupling, such as the slip-on coupling described in U.S. Pat.No. 9,194,516, issued on Nov. 24, 2015, which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety. The pipe coupling can comprise a firstsegment 120, a second segment 121, and a gasket 108 positioned and heldbetween the first segment 120 and the second segment 121. In someaspects, each of the segments 120,121 can be constructed similarly, suchas casted from the same mold (not shown). In example aspects, each ofthe segments 120,121 can comprise a first end 122 and a second end 124distal to the first end 122. As shown in FIG. 1, in some aspects, thesegments 120,121 can be configured in the pipe coupling 100 to be180-degree rotations of each other, with the first end 122 of the firstsegment 120 proximate to the second end 124 of the second segment 121,and the second end 124 of the first segment 120 proximate to the firstend 122 of the second segment 121. In some aspects, the two pipes 154a,b can be grooved-end pipes defining grooves proximate each end, andthe segments 120,121 can each be configured to engage a groove in eachpipe 154 a,b upon tightening of the coupling to prevent separation ofthe pipes 154 a,b. The gasket 108 can then seal a joint defined betweenthe pipes 154 a,b.

For each segment 120,121, in some aspect, a first shoulder 125 and asecond shoulder 127 can protrude outwardly from the segments 120,121proximate to each of the first end 122 and the second end 124,respectively. The shoulders 125,127 can comprise fastener pads 126,128.A first fastener pad 126 proximate to the first end 122 of the firstsegment 120 can be fastened to a second fastener pad 128 proximate tothe second end 124 of the second segment 121. The remaining fastenerpads 126,128 can be fastened in corresponding fashion.

In some aspects, a tongue 132 can protrude from the first end 122 ofeach segment 120,121. Likewise, in some aspects, a groove 138 can bedefined in the second shoulder 127, the groove 138 configured to receivethe tongue 132.

The fastener pads 126,128 can comprise tightening elements 129. Thetightening elements 129 can comprise fastener holes (not shown)extending through each fastener pad 126,128. Each fastener hole canreceive a bolt 134. A nut 136 can be configured to secure the bolt 134in the fastener holes 130. A first fastener pad 126 proximate to thefirst end 122 of the first segment 120 can be fastened to a secondfastener pad 128 proximate to the second end 124 of the second segment121 with a first bolt 134 and a first nut 136, and a second fastener pad128 proximate to the second end 124 of the first segment 120 can befastened to a first fastener pad 126 proximate to the first end 122 ofthe second segment 121 with a second bolt 134 and a second nut 136.

The pipe coupling 100 can further comprise a pivot clip 140 configuredto maintain a separation distance 142 between the second end 124 of thefirst segment 120 and the first end 122 of the second segment 121. Inexample aspects and as shown in FIG. 1, the pipe coupling can be in anuntightened configuration 144. In the untightened configuration 144, theseparation distance 142 between the ends 122,124 proximate to the pivotclip 140 can be less than a tightening gap 160 between the ends 122,124distal to the pivot clip 140.

The pivot clip 140 can comprise two arms 145 (only one arm shown in FIG.1, a second arm 145 shown in FIG. 3 connected to a body 147. The pivotclip 140 can be configured to substantially surround an outer surface146 of the tongue 132. In example aspects, the arms 145 can extendtoward an interior edge 148 of the shoulders 125,127, such that alateral side 150 of the tongue 132 is covered by the arm 145. The boltcan define an inner portion 152 proximate to the pipe 154 a,b, and anouter portion 156 distal to the pipe 154 a,b. The pivot clip 140 canfurther be configured to surround the inner portion 152 of the bolt 134,such as by receiving the bolt 134 in a cutout 157 (shown in FIG. 2) ofthe body 147 of the pivot clip 140.

The arms 145 of the pivot clip 140 can be angled with respect to thebody 147. In example aspects, the arms 145 can be angled toward thegroove 138 in the first segment 120, as well as toward a head 158 of thebolt 134. The pivot clip 140 can further comprise a bend 164, a tip 166of the arm 145, and a top surface 168. The bend 164 can define an angle162 that the arm 145 makes with the body 147. Slight tightening of thenut 136 on the bolt 134 at the second end 124 of the first segment 120and the first end 122 of the second segment 121 can bring those ends122,124 towards each other and thereby rotate the pivot clip 140 suchthat the bend 164, the tip 166, and the top surface 168 of the body 147to simultaneously contact the ends 122,124 of the segments 120,121, asshown in FIG. 2. In example aspects, the nut 136 of each bolt 134 can betightened such that any further tightening of the nuts 136 and bolts 134would cause the pivot clip 140 to deform and flatten, as shown in FIG.7. Thus, the pipe coupling 100 can be configured in the untightenedconfiguration 144 by screwing the nut 136 on the bolt 134 using a firsttorque that is less than a second torque needed to deform and flattenthe pivot clip 140 and put the pipe coupling 100 in a tightenedconfiguration 170 (see FIG. 7). In other aspects, placing the pipecoupling 100 in the untightened configuration 144 can comprise deformingand flattening the pivot clip 140 while leaving the opposite ends122,124 of the segments 120,121 spaced apart sufficient to insert thepipes 154 a,b.

The pivot clip 140 can have a substantially uniform thickness 172 insome aspects. For example, pivot clips 140 can be die cut from sheetmetal in some aspects. In some aspects, the arms 145 can thereafter bebent relative to the body 147 of the pivot clip 140. In other aspects,the pivot clips 140 can be formed from any desired method, such ascasting or 3D printing, and the disclosed methods of forming pivot clips140 should not be considered limiting on the current disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the pipe coupling. In this view, thecutout 157 of the body 147 of the pivot clip 140 is shown, surroundingat least the inner portion 152 of the bolt 134. In the current aspect,the cutout 157 is sized such that the body 147 extends past the bolt134. One of the pipes 154 a,b to be joined is shown.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the pivot clip 140, showing the topsurface 168. A bottom surface 518 (shown in FIG. 5) is defined oppositefrom the top surface 168. In example aspects, the tips 166 of the arms145 can be rounded.

FIG. 4 is a top view (orthographic projection) of the pivot clip 140,showing the body 147, the arms 145, the bend 164, and the cutout 157.The body 147 can further comprise an outside edge 410 that defines thecutout 157 and a pair of prongs 412 adjacent to the cutout 157.Excluding the cutout 157, the outside edge 410 can be straight. Inexample aspects, the outside edge can comprise two prongs 412, eachprong 412 on either side of the cutout 157 and configured to be the samelength. The body 147 can further comprise a pair of opposing lateraledges 414. Within the top orthographic projection, each lateral edge 414can define an angle 415 with respect to a direction perpendicular to theoutside edge 410. In example aspects, the lateral edge 414 can define anangle 417 with the outside edge 410 that is obtuse. The two lateraledges 414 can be a symmetric reflection of each other about a centerline 416 of the pivot clip 140.

The cutout 157 of the body 147 can define a cutout edge 418. The cutoutedge 418 can be curvilinear and can define a circular arc 420 having acenter 422, and a pair of straight segments 424. The circular arc 420can be complementary to the inner portion 152 of the bolt 134. Eachstraight segment 424 can form an angle 425 with the center line 416. Thetwo straight segments 424 can be symmetric about the center line 416.The cutout 157 can further define a depth 426. The body 147 can define aminimal distance 428 between the cutout edge 418 and an interior edge430 of the body 147. The interior edge 430 of the body 147 can comprisea recessed portion 432 and a pair of connecting portions 434 extendingto the arms 145.

FIG. 5 shows a side orthographic projection of the pivot clip 140. Alength 510 of the arms 145 can be shorter than a length 512 of the body147. The thickness 172 of the pivot clip 140 can be uniform as shown.The bend 164 can define a bend angle 516.

FIG. 6 shows a front orthographic projection of the pivot clip 140. Thethickness 172 is shown, as well as a width 610 of the pivot clip 140.The pivot clip 140 can also define a tip height 612, and the tips 166can define a tip width 614.

FIG. 7 shows a front view of the pipe coupling 100, in the tightenedconfiguration 170. The tightening gap 160 opposite the pivot clip 140can be configured to be the same as the separation distance 142 betweenthe segments 120,121 proximate the pivot clip 140. In the tightenedconfiguration 170, the tightening gap 160 can be a minimum tighteninggap, and the separation distance 142 can be a minimum separationdistance. The separation distance 142 in the tightened configuration 170can be the same as the thickness 172 of the pivot clip 140. The pipecoupling 100 can be configured to change from the untightenedconfiguration 144 shown in FIG. 1 to the tightened configuration 170shown in FIG. 7 by tightening only the tightening element 129 distal tothe pivot clip 140. In the process of tightening, in some aspects, thepivot clip 140 arms 145 can be flattened, such that the bend 164 in thepivot clip 140 is removed. When the pipe coupling 100 is untightened,the pivot clip 140 can be configured to elasticity deform to recover thebend 164. However, in other aspects, the pivot clip 140 may onlyplastically deform such that the bend 164 does not recover afteruntightening.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the pipe coupling 100 connecting twopipes 154 a,b. In the current aspect, each segment 120,121 defines keysengaging the grooves defined in the ends of each pipe 154 a,b, and thegasket 108 seals the joint therebetween. As shown the pivot clip 140 canbe sized such that it does not extend into the path of the pipes 154 a,bbetween the segments 120,121 when the pivot clip 140 is in positionbetween the respective ends 122,124 of the segments 120,121.

FIG. 9 is a side view of the pipe coupling 100 with another exemplaryaspect of a pivot clip 140 in accordance with the present disclosure. Inthe untightened configuration 144, the tightening gap 160 distal to thepivot clip 140 can be wider than the separation distance 142 proximateto the pivot clip 140. In example aspects, the pivot clip 140 canencircle the bolt 134. The fastener pads 126,128 can contact the pivotclip 140 substantially along an upper surface 910 and a lower surface920 of the pivot clip 140. An interior portion 922 of the pivot clip 140can be narrower than an outer portion 924 of the pivot clip 140. Thepivot clip 140 can be symmetrical about a middle plane 926 of the pivotclip 140. The upper and lower surfaces 910,920 can taper in a smoothcurvilinear path from the wider outer portion 924 to the narrowerinterior portion 922. The pivot clip 140 of FIG. 9 can thereby define ashape that is complementary to the fastener pads 126,128 such that thepivot clip 140 can fit between the fastener pads 126,128 and maintainthe separation distance 142.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the pipe coupling 100 and pivot clip140 of FIG. 9, showing one of the two pipes 154 a,b to be joined.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the pivot clip 140 of FIG. 9. The pivotclip 140 can comprise an outer lateral wall 1102. A cross sectionthrough the middle plane 926 can reveal a shape of the outer lateralwall 1102 that is circular, ellipsoid, oblong curvilinear, rectilinear,or any other shape. The pivot clip 140 can further comprise an innerlateral wall 1104. A plurality of boundaries 1106 can be defined betweenthe upper surface 910, the lower surface 920, the outer lateral wall1102, and the inner lateral wall 1104 and can be smooth and curvilinearor, in other aspects, edge-like. In some aspects, the pivot clip 140 canbe without sharp edges—that is, the edges can be smooth. The pivot clipcan be toroidal in shape in some aspects. The pivot clip 140 can have afurther reflection symmetry about a vertical plane 1108. The verticalplane 1108 can be defined by a line passing through a hole 1110 definedby the inner lateral wall 1104 and can bisect the pivot clip 140.

FIG. 12 shows a cross-sectional perspective view of the pivot clip 140of FIG. 11. The pivot clip 140 can define a solid interior 1202 or, inother aspects, a hollow interior (not shown). The pivot clip 140 can bemetal, such as stainless steel or ductile iron, and can be formed bycasting, but any material or method known in the art would be suitablefor making the pivot clip 140, such as injection-molded plastic.

FIG. 13 is a front view of the pipe coupling 100 and pivot clip 140 ofFIG. 9 in the tightened configuration 144. The tightening gap 160opposite the pivot clip 140 can be configured to be the same as theseparation distance 142 between the segments 120,121 proximate the pivotclip 140. In some aspects, the segments 120,121 can define grooves (notshown) below the respective fastener pads 128,126 that are complementaryto the interior portion 922 the pivot clip 140. The pivot clip 140 canthus appear to be extending into the segments 120,121, as shown in FIG.13.

The pipe coupling 100 with the pivot clip 140 of the current disclosurecan couple two pipes 154 a,b together by a following procedure. A firststep can be to configure the pipe coupling 100 in the untightenedconfiguration 144. The tightening element 129 proximate to the pivotclip 140 can be tightened up to an untightened point. The point ordegree of tightening in the untightened configuration 144 can be suchthat the pipe coupling 100 has enough freedom of movement to allow theends of two pipes 154 a,b to be placed between the segments 120,121.These steps can be done prior to providing the pipe coupling 100 to anend user, such as prior to selling and shipping the pipe coupling 100.The degree of tightening can also be such that the pipe coupling 100 isdrawn to the tightened configuration 170 by only tightening thetightening element 129 distal to the pivot clip 140, which eases theinstallation process for the end user. A second step can be to place theends of two pipes 154 a,b between the segments 120,121. A third step canbe to tighten the tightening element 129 distal to the pivot clip 140,such that the tightening gap 160 is about the same as the separationdistance 142. The configuration after the third step can be called thetightened configuration 170. This step engages the coupling segments120,121 with the pipes 154 a,b, such as by engaging the grooves definedin the ends of the pipes 154 a,b when the pipes are grooved-end pipes.In some aspects, the coupling segments 120,121 can deform after engagingthe pipes 154 a,b to bend the coupling segments 120,121 around the pipes154 a,b, which can act as a mandrel for the coupling segments 120,121bending. In some aspects, the point about which the coupling segments120,121 bends can be offset from a midpoint of each coupling segment andcan be closer to the ends 122,124 with the pivot clip 140 than to theends 122,124 without a pivot clip 140. In some aspects, the tighteninggap 160 can be defined by the point at which the coupling segments120,121 can no longer bend around the pipes 154 a,b. The third step canalso seal the joint between the pipes 154 a,b by compressing the gasket108 into sealing engagement with the pipes 154 a,b.

The aforementioned procedure allows one of the tightening elements 129to be tightened while keeping the ends 122,124 opposite to it wideenough to insert pipes 154 a,b into the coupling 100 before tighteningthe opposite tightening element 129. The coupling 100 can be sold andshipped in the untightened configuration 144 such that only one of thetightening elements 129 needs to be tightened onsite where the pipes areto be joined.

FIG. 14 shows another aspect of the pipe coupling 100 and the pivot clip140, in accordance with the present disclosure. In this aspect, thepivot clip 140 can also be referred to as a pivot 1302. The pivot 1302can be formed on one of the segments 120,121 of the pipe coupling 100.For example, the pivot 1302 can be part of a monolithically-castedsegment 120,121. The pivot 1302 can be formed on the shoulders 125,127of the segment 120,121. The pivot 1302 can be a first pivot 1304, andthe segment 120,121 can further comprise a second pivot (not shown) onthe same shoulder 125,127, such that the second pivot is a symmetricreflection of the first pivot 1304, the plane of symmetry being definedby the x-y plane of FIG. 14. The pivots can be positioned at an interioredge 148 of the shoulders 125,127. In the current aspect, the opposingor opposite end 122,124 of the segment 120,121 or pipe coupling 100 withthe pivot 1302 can lack a pivot. The configuration in this aspect allowsthe opposing end to be tightened such that the pipe coupling 100 isstabilized around the pipes rigidly. Hence, the coupling 100 in thisaspect can be named a rigid coupling. Angled washers (not shown) can beinstalled between the nuts 136 and the fastener pads 126,128 to reducethe point load on the mating bearing surfaces.

FIG. 15 shows yet another aspect of the pipe coupling 100 and the pivotclip 140, in accordance with the present disclosure. In this aspect, thepivot clip 140 can also be referred to as a pivot 1302. The pivot 1302can be formed on one of the segments 120,121 of the pipe coupling 100.The pivot 1302 can be a first pivot 1304, and the segment 120,121 canfurther comprise a second pivot 1602 (shown in FIG. 16) diagonallyopposed on the same segment 120,121. In other words, the second pivot1602 can be on an opposite end 122,124 of the segment 120,121, on anopposite side of the opposing shoulder 125,127. In other aspects, thesecond pivot (this configuration not shown) can be on the same shoulder125,127 as the first pivot 1304, such that the second pivot 1602 is asymmetric reflection of the first pivot 1304, the plane of symmetrybeing defined by the x-y plane of FIG. 15. In the current aspect, bothsegments 120,121 of pipe coupling 100 can comprise pivots 1302. Thepivots 1302 can be configured such that the segments 120,121 are180-degree rotations of each other. As such, the segments 120,121 can becasted from the same mold. The configuration in this aspect allows eachend 122,124 to be tightened until the pivots 1302 make contact with theshoulders 125,127 from the opposing segment 120,121. This configurationcan limit the bolting load applied to the pipes (not shown). As such,the pipe coupling 100 is in a flexible configuration around the pipes(relative to the rigid coupling). Hence, the coupling in this aspect canbe named a flexible coupling.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of one of the segments 120,121 from thepipe coupling of FIG. 15. The first pivot 1304 and the second pivot 1602can be diagonally opposed, as explained for FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a close-up of one of the pivots 1302. The pivots 1302 cancomprise an interior vertical edge 1604 substantially aligned with theinterior edge 148 of the shoulders 125,127, a bottom edge 1606, and anouter edge 1608. A transition feature, such as a beveled corner 1610 ora rounded corner, can be defined between the bottom edge 1606 and theouter edge 1608.

One should note that conditional language, such as, among others, “can,”“could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, orotherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intendedto convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments donot include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, suchconditional language is not generally intended to imply that features,elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more particularembodiments or that one or more particular embodiments necessarilyinclude logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting,whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to beperformed in any particular embodiment.

It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments are merelypossible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clearunderstanding of the principles of the present disclosure. Any processdescriptions or blocks in flow diagrams should be understood asrepresenting modules, segments, or portions of code which include one ormore executable instructions for implementing specific logical functionsor steps in the process, and alternate implementations are included inwhich functions may not be included or executed at all, may be executedout of order from that shown or discussed, including substantiallyconcurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionalityinvolved, as would be understood by those reasonably skilled in the artof the present disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be madeto the above-described embodiment(s) without departing substantiallyfrom the spirit and principles of the present disclosure. Further, thescope of the present disclosure is intended to cover any and allcombinations and sub-combinations of all elements, features, and aspectsdiscussed above. All such modifications and variations are intended tobe included herein within the scope of the present disclosure, and allpossible claims to individual aspects or combinations of elements orsteps are intended to be supported by the present disclosure.

That which is claimed is:
 1. A coupling segment comprising: an arcuatesegment body defining a first end and a second end opposite the firstend; a first shoulder that is formed proximate to the first end andcomprises a first fastener pad extending outwardly from the arcuatesegment body, the first shoulder further defining an interior edge; anda first pivot extending from the first shoulder at the interior edge,wherein the first pivot is cast monolithically with the arcuate segmentbody and the first shoulder.
 2. The coupling segment of claim 1, whereinthe first fastener pad extends in a first direction and the first pivotextends in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the firstdirection.
 3. The coupling segment of claim 2, wherein the firstfastener pad defines a fastener hole formed therethrough, and wherein athickness of the first fastener pad is less than a thickness of thefirst shoulder.
 4. The coupling segment of claim 1, wherein the firstpivot defines an interior vertical edge extending from the firstshoulder and substantially aligned with the interior edge of the firstshoulder.
 5. The coupling segment of claim 4, wherein the first pivotfurther defines an outer edge extending from the first shoulder and abottom edge.
 6. The coupling segment of claim 5, wherein the first pivotfurther defines a transition feature between the bottom edge and theouter edge.
 7. The coupling segment of claim 6, wherein the transitionfeature is a beveled corner.
 8. The coupling segment of claim 1, whereinthe coupling segment further defines a first axial end and a secondaxial end opposite the first axial end, and wherein the first pivot isformed at the first axial end.
 9. The coupling segment of claim 8,wherein the coupling segment further comprises: a second shoulder formedat the second end, the second shoulder comprising a second fastener padextending outwardly from the arcuate segment body; and a second pivotextending from the second shoulder, wherein the second pivot is castmonolithically with the arcuate segment body, the first shoulder, thesecond shoulder, and the first pivot.
 10. The coupling segment of claim9, wherein the second pivot is formed at the second axial end of thecoupling segment.
 11. A pipe coupling comprising: a monolithically-castfirst coupling segment comprising a first end and a second end distal tothe first end, a first pivot each formed proximate to the first end; asecond coupling segment comprising a first end and a second end distalto the first end, the first pivot engaging the second coupling segmentproximate to the first end of the second coupling segment; and a firsttightening element configured to draw the first end of themonolithically-cast first coupling segment towards the first end of thesecond coupling segment.
 12. The pipe coupling of claim 11, wherein: afirst shoulder is formed proximate to the first end of themonolithically-cast first coupling segment; the first shoulder comprisesa first fastener pad; and the first pivot extends from the firstshoulder.
 13. The pipe coupling of claim 12, wherein the first fastenerpad extends in a first direction and the first pivot extends in a seconddirection substantially perpendicular to the first direction.
 14. Thepipe coupling of claim 12, wherein the first shoulder further defines aninterior edge and the first pivot extends from the first shoulder at theinterior edge.
 15. The pipe coupling of claim 14, wherein the firstpivot defines: an interior vertical edge extending from the firstshoulder and substantially aligned with the interior edge of the firstshoulder; an outer edge extending from the first shoulder; a bottomedge; and a transition feature between the bottom edge and the outeredge.
 16. The pipe coupling of claim 15, wherein the transition featureis a beveled corner.
 17. The pipe coupling of claim 14, wherein themonolithically-cast first coupling segment further defines a first axialend and a second axial end and a second axial end opposite the firstaxial end, and wherein the first pivot is formed at the first axial end.18. The pipe coupling of claim 17, wherein: a second shoulder is formedproximate to the first end of the second coupling segment; the secondshoulder comprises a second fastener pad; the first pivot engages thesecond shoulder; and the first tightening element comprises a bolt and anut disposed on the bolt, the bolt extending through the first fastenerpad and the second fastener pad.
 19. The pipe coupling of claim 18,wherein: the second coupling segment defines a first axial end alignedwith the first axial end of the monolithically-cast first couplingsegment and a second axial end aligned with the second axial end of themonolithically-cast first coupling segment; a second pivot extends fromthe second shoulder at the second axial end of the second couplingsegment; and the second pivot engages the first shoulder of themonolithically-cast first coupling segment.
 20. The pipe coupling ofclaim 19, wherein: the monolithically-cast first coupling segmentfurther comprises a third shoulder that is formed proximate to thesecond end of the monolithically-cast first coupling segment and a thirdpivot extending from the third shoulder; the second coupling segmentfurther comprises a fourth shoulder that is formed proximate to thesecond end of the second coupling segment and a fourth pivot extendingfrom the fourth shoulder; the third pivot engages the fourth shoulder ofthe second coupling segment; and the fourth pivot engages the thirdshoulder of the monolithically-cast first coupling segment.
 21. The pipecoupling of claim 20, wherein: the third shoulder comprises a thirdfastener pad; the fourth shoulder comprises a fourth fastener pad; andthe pipe coupling further comprises a second tightening elementextending through each of the third fastener pad and the fourth fastenerpad; and the second tightening element is configured to draw the firstend of the monolithically-cast first coupling segment towards the firstend of the second coupling segment.
 22. The pipe coupling of claim 20,wherein the third pivot extends from the third shoulder at the secondaxial end of the monolithically-cast first coupling segment and thefourth pivot extends from the fourth shoulder at the first axial end ofthe second coupling segment.